TINTON FALLS – The American Red Cross HAS awarded a $2 million grant to Habitat for Humanity International to repair homes damaged by Super Storm Sandy across the state of New Jersey.

“We are grateful to the American Red Cross for partnering with us to help families whose homes were damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy,” said Sue Henderson, vice president for U.S. and Canada, Habitat for Humanity International. “Together we are working to get families back into their homes as part of our long-term recovery work in New Jersey.”

Habitat for Humanity International has developed a broad regional strategy in response to the devastation caused by Super Storm Sandy and is working with five local Habitat affiliates throughout the state to support and enable recovery and long-term sustainability of low- income affected families. The $2 million grant from the Red Cross will be used to help repair at least 90 primary residences in partnership with families across Atlantic, Bergen, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

“Housing issues continue to be the most urgent need for Sandy survivors in New Jersey and a priority for our Red Cross recovery efforts,” said Nancy Orlando, regional CEO American Red Cross South Jersey Region. “Together the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity will enable many New Jersey families to rebuild who would not otherwise have been able to do so.”

Donations to the Red Cross after Super Storm Sandy have led to clear signs of progress and hope throughout New Jersey eight months after the storm. In addition to the grants to Habitat for Humanity, as of July 2013, the Red Cross has partnered with numerous organizations to support the recovery of families and communities affected by Sandy, including the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Operation Hope, the Points of Light Foundation and the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church. The Sandy recovery efforts include housing assistance, case management, mental health services, volunteer oordination and construction services. Additional community grants will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Additional information about the Red Cross Sandy relief and recovery efforts can be found at www.redcross.org/sandy-response.